Our Story
Camden Public Library Launch exhibit, Valentine’s Day 2019
Our founder, Patrisha McLean, launched Finding Our Voices on Valentine’s Day 2019 as a multi-media exhibit in her hometown public library in Camden, three years after her husband of 29 years was convicted of domestic abuse. The exhibit featured photo portraits of 14 Maine survivors of domestic abuse as well as corresponding audio recordings of them relating their experiences, and documentation including customized Power and Control wheels.
Joining her in breaking their silence included her hairdresser Kate; Bekah, the daughter of Patrisha’s best friend; Patrisha’s architect neighbor Meg who designed the library addition in which the exhibit was held; and Mel, owner of the natural food store that Patrisha had frequented for decades. Christine had been framing Patrisha’s photos for the exhibit when she shared that she too was terrorized by multiple boyfriends, just in time to frame her own photograph for the exhibit.
Four-month exhibit at the Holocaust and Human Rights Center.
In the year before the pandemic hit, Finding Our Voices brought its exhibit and survivor Voices to Maine’s Holocaust and Human Rights Center, the State House, high schools and universities. We also brought Survivor-Speaks presentations to the annual conference of Maine district attorneys and the women’s unit of Windham Prison.
Mary Lou, Christine, Amber, Donna, Patrisha, Jeannine and Judy at the opening reception of the Finding Our Voices exhibit at the Holocaust and Human Rights Center, October 2019.
Panel discussion at the Holocaust and Human Rights Center. Olivia is speaking, surrounded by Mary Lou, Eve and Amber.